Engineered Around You - Platform and Chassis

The SUV crossover market is the number one premium segment globally. The QX50 is INFINITI’s core model and offers premium buyers everything they could want from a vehicle of this type, thanks in part to the development of an all-new platform that boasts an ideal combination of roominess and packaging efficiency.

All-new platform developed to give QX50 ideal SUV attributes

The QX50 is built on an all-new platform, featuring a front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) layout. Engineered with flexibility of application in mind, the FF platform sets new standards for refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact premium SUV segment.

The new platform is built for both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains, making it very suitable for the QX50’s intelligent AWD drivetrain. The platform’s layout allows for high levels of packaging efficiency, resulting in the QX50’s ideal interior proportions for passengers and cargo. The new platform also enables the QX50 to achieve 218 mm (8.6 inches) ground clearance without impacting on cabin space.

The QX50’s body-mass index (the bodyshell’s ratio of weight-to-size) is one of the best in the segment. The body-in-white is large but lightweight, weighing just 419 kg (923.7 lbs). A double-ring structure provides the bodyshell with a naturally strong frame, in particular reinforcing the rear of the car and the area around the tailgate.

First automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa steel enhances safety and driving performance

The QX50 represents the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa high-tensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform. The high-tensile material can be molded into unprecedented shapes, saving weight and representing a torsional rigidity improvement of 23% over the current QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while reducing the noise transmitted to the cabin.

Varying strengths of steel are used in sections of the car for different reasons. For example, the SHF 980 MPa steel is used around the crashable zones at the front and rear of the car, to better absorb energy in the event of a collision, as well as weight-bearing sections around the engine bay and other key structural parts of the car, such as the B-pillar. The 1.2 GPa steel reinforces the cabin for greater occupant protection. High tensile steel is used throughout the rest of the bodyshell.

In addition to reducing flex and body vibrations, the high rigidity body provides a stable base for the QX50’s front and rear suspension systems, steering and brakes to perform optimally and provide the driver with greater control.

The new platform is built for both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains, making it very suitable for the QX50’s intelligent AWD drivetrain.

The QX50 represents the first automotive use of Super High Formability 980 MPa high-tensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform, and delivering a 23% improvement in torsional rigidity compared to the current QX50.

All-new platform developed to endow QX50 with ideal SUV attributes

First automotive use of 980 MPa steel enhances safety and driving performance

All-new platform developed to give QX50 ideal SUV attributes

The QX50 is built on an all-new platform, featuring a front-engine, front-wheel drive (FF) layout. Engineered with flexibility of application in mind, the FF platform sets new standards for refinement, rigidity and interior space in the compact premium SUV segment.

The new platform is built for both front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrains, making it very suitable for the QX50’s intelligent AWD drivetrain. The platform’s layout allows for high levels of packaging efficiency, resulting in the QX50’s ideal interior proportions for passengers and cargo. The new platform also enables the QX50 to achieve 218 mm (8.6 inches) ground clearance without impacting on cabin space.

The QX50’s body-mass index (the bodyshell’s ratio of weight-to-size) is one of the best in the segment. The body-in-white is large but lightweight, weighing just 419 kg (923.7 lbs). A double-ring structure provides the bodyshell with a naturally strong frame, in particular reinforcing the rear of the car and the area around the tailgate.

First automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa steel enhances safety and driving performance

The QX50 represents the first automotive use of SHF (Super High Formability) 980 MPa high-tensile steel, further strengthening the all-new platform. The high-tensile material can be molded into unprecedented shapes, saving weight and representing a torsional rigidity improvement of 23% over the current QX50. This rigidity allows the car to resist flex and vibrations, while reducing the noise transmitted to the cabin.

Varying strengths of steel are used in sections of the car for different reasons. For example, the SHF 980 MPa steel is used around the crashable zones at the front and rear of the car, to better absorb energy in the event of a collision, as well as weight-bearing sections around the engine bay and other key structural parts of the car, such as the B-pillar. The 1.2 GPa steel reinforces the cabin for greater occupant protection. High tensile steel is used throughout the rest of the bodyshell.

In addition to reducing flex and body vibrations, the high rigidity body provides a stable base for the QX50’s front and rear suspension systems, steering and brakes to perform optimally and provide the driver with greater control.